Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on the Pniówek mine tragedy: it's a sad day for Poland

20.04.2022

Two methane explosions occured at the Pniówek mine in Silesia last night, which ended tragically. Five people are dead and seven are still trapped underground. From the first moments, a team of specialists has been analysing the situation and searching for possible measures that can be taken. The head of the Polish Government took part in the team’s meeting and visited the Burn Treatment Centre to learn about the condition of the victims. This terrible tragedy shows that a miner's work is not only extremely difficult, but also very risky. Miners put themselves in danger every day for all of us.

"I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the families, for the loved ones of the deceased. My heart goes out to those whose thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones who are fighting for life," said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Rescue operation after a methane explosion in the Pniówek mine in Silesia

Miners take great risks when they go to work every day. They face danger on a regular basis. Just after midnight, a powerful explosion caused part of the galleries in the Pniówek mine in Silesia to collapse. Seven people are still underground.

Among those trapped in the mine are also the rescuers who started their operaton after the first explosion. "Miners' guardian angels", or rescuers, always say they are going down to save the living and they do what they can to reach potentially injured people as quickly as possible. The rescue operation is not over yet.

"There is hope that rescue teams will soon be able to start their work in safe conditions," said the Prime Minister. "We can see how the immense dedication of the rescuers in this case led to a tragedy for those who can always see meaning in their work, even if it involves the greatest risk."

Families of the miners and rescuers will receive government suport

Over 20 people are staying in hospitals with severe burns. "Certainly, all the best methods of treatment will be applied in order to increase the probability of winning this fight for the lives of miners and rescuers who found themselves here or will find themselves here," stressed the head of the Polish government.

The head of the Polish government stressed that the families of the deceased and severely injured can count on state support.